If you build it, butterflies will come

I love the ending. Texas A&M butterfly expert Craig Wilson says planting a small butterfly garden really is “a case of, if you build it they will come.”

We’ve been to the State of Michoacán in Mexico Wilson writes about, rode up the mountain on horses and viewed what has to be one of the natural wonders of the world, billions and billions of monarchs blanketing every tree trunk and limb in site for miles. The thought that this might be lost is beyond frightening.

At the same time, how can we, who have so much, tell people who are barely surviving that they can’t cut and sell the timber, at least some of which probably ends up in our homes? It’s a crises that deserves our attention.

But, back to the butterflies, the fact that experts now say backyard gardens do help is truly a cause for mafficking.

Above is the Butterfly Garden design from my Lazy Gardener’s Guide on CD (see right hand column of this page). This whole garden is designed for a site 12 foot long by 8 foot deep. That’s probably a lot bigger than you have or want to have.

But it’s done that way on purpose. You probably won’t be able to find, or might not want to use all the plants listed. The numbers indicate how many plants you would use in a garden 12×8. Use fewer, or drop a few.

This garden is designed to be flush against a fence, with taller plants in back and lower ones in front. The plants on the left hand side need full sun. (See my little sun?) Those on the right hand side can take a little shade. (See my little tree?) All are great for attracting butterflies.

In case you have trouble reading any of them:

Top row, left to right: duranta, hardy hibiscus, Turk’s cap and buttonbush.